Zanzibar

Travel Guide

Nungwi Beach which includes general coastal views
Jambiani Beach
Nungwi Beach showing a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Nungwi Beach which includes a sandy beach
House of Wonders featuring general coastal views and a bay or harbor

Immerse yourself in an interesting mix of African, Arabian, Indian and European culture in this island off Africa’s eastern coast. Visit its beautiful beaches too.

The exotic island of Zanzibar has been populated for more than 20,000 years. See the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Town, with a millennia of blended history of Swahili, Arabian, Indian and European cultures. Relax on beaches with soft white sand and clean blue waters.

Many Stone Town buildings were constructed during the 1700s and 1800s. See architecture made of coralline ragstone and wood from the area’s mangroves. The Old Fort overlooks the Indian Ocean, built on the site where a Portuguese church once stood. Next to it is the House of WondersOpens in a new window, housing the Beit El-Ajaib National Museum. Gaze up at its wide verandas and imagine its days as the mansion of a wealthy sultan. In front of these buildings, stroll along the walkways in Forodhani Gardens, where fishermen and artisans display their products.

Walk to the Anglican Church to learn about the region’s past as a Slave MarketOpens in a new window. Inside are displays describing this history as well as a memorial to David Livingstone, the missionary, explorer and avid abolitionist. Outside is the artwork Memory for the Slaves, depicting five slaves in chains.

Travel north to NungwiOpens in a new window, which has one of the island’s favorite spots for sun and sand, Nungwi BeachOpens in a new window. Visit the Mnarani Natural AquariumOpens in a new window, where local residents and conservationists have established a center to rescue and nurture hawksbill and green turtles and release them to the ocean every February. Spend a month or more here as a volunteer or swim with the turtles in a protected lagoon during a daytrip.

Paje Beach on the eastern coast has extreme tides, resulting in long stretches of sand when the tide is out. Rent equipment to try kite surfing. Scuba near Mnemba Island off the northeastern shore.

Ferry to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam in about 2 hours or fly to Zanzibar International Airport, about a 15-minute drive south of Stone Town. Rent a car to travel conveniently around this relatively small island.

Where to stay in Zanzibar

Old Fort

Stone Town

4/5(33 area reviews)

Stone Town is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Slave Market or Old Fort.

Stone Town
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Bwejuu Beach

4/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Bwejuu Beach include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paje Beach or Bwejuu Beach while you're exploring the area.

Bwejuu Beach
Tembo House Hotel

Tembo House Hotel

4 out of 5
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (888 reviews)
"A arrived 9h30 and didn’t have to wait till 15 o’clock to go to my room. They not only gave the room earlier but gave an upgrade. Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Tembo House Hotel
Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Nungwi Road, North Coast Zanzibar, Nungwi, Unguja North
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (371 reviews)
"First class resort. Very clean and efficient. Amazing beach and clear water. Would definitely return to this resort."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hotel Riu Jambo - All Inclusive
The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Muyuni, Matemwe, Unguja North Region
The price is RM1,934 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
RM1,934
RM2,266 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Matemwe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (170 reviews)
"This resort is outstanding. Better food, rooms, service and staff"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

The Mora Zanzibar - Luxury All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aluna Beach Apartments

Aluna Beach Apartments

4 out of 5
Nungwi Beach, 8, Nungwi, Unguja North Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nungwi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
"Good people. Clean property and nice balcony views of the beach"

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Aluna Beach Apartments
Soul Paje Managed by TOC

Soul Paje Managed by TOC

4 out of 5
The Soul Africa P.O. Box 48, Paje, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Paje. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Paje Beach and Jambiani Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"A good guest house. Lovely people. It's nearby Paje beach, which as great dinning options. I enjoyed the pool as well"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Soul Paje Managed by TOC
Aquamarina Hotel

Aquamarina Hotel

3 out of 5
raffia beach aparthotel Jambiani, Jambiani, Unguja South Region
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Jambiani. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Jambiani Beach and Paje Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"The property was as pictured though their social media presence is lacking and should be updated to keep potential guests interested . The staff did their best to make us comfortable in every way throughout our stay and were always very responsive to requests . We had an ocean view room which was ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Aquamarina Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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